CRETE, IL – The Crete-Monee School Board on Tuesday approved a three-year renewal of its E-Learning Plan, cementing the district’s strategy for handling emergency school closures like snow days without adding days to the end of the school year.

The plan, mandated by state law, allows the district to pivot to remote instruction on days when severe weather or other emergencies make it unsafe to hold in-person classes.

“The goal is to minimize any disruption to the students’ academic progress,” said Dr. Ghantel Perkins, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.

Under the plan, e-learning days count as official instructional days and do not need to be made up. Students are required to receive five hours of instruction, with teachers providing lessons through Google Classroom. Attendance is taken, and assignments are graded.

To facilitate remote learning, students in grades 3-12 take their district-issued devices home daily. Younger students in kindergarten through second grade begin taking devices home during the second trimester in preparation for potential winter weather.

The district also outlined its support systems, including providing three days for students without internet access or who experience power outages to complete assignments. Teachers also work closely with special education staff to ensure students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP) are followed.

Communication about an e-learning day will be sent to families through a new platform called Parent Square, as well as via the district website, social media, and email.

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